According to latest reports by the Guardian, Swansea’s Ashley Williams is prepared to run his Swansea City contract down and leave on a free transfer if the club will not listen reasonable offers during the summer window.

The Swans captain has just a year left on his current deal as he attempts to force a move away from the Welsh outfit. A formal bid of as little as £3 million could prove enough to secure his services.

Last year Arsenal were interested in buying Williams but, with Swansea valuing the 29-year-old at £10 million, they were not prepared to meet the club’s asking price. At a reduced cost this firm stance could be altered.

Top flight rivals Liverpool will have been monitoring his situation, also, with former Swans manager Brendan Rodgers remaining an admirer of the Welshman.

The two clubs are likely to renew their interest, but they will face stiff competition from Napoli and Lille, alongside a host of other Premier League clubs.

One thing is for certain, Williams has clearly set his sights on leaving South Wales and assuming Arsenal and Liverpool will lead the chase for his signature, Anfield is his most likely destination.

The Gunner’s central defensive pairing of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny remains Wenger’s first choice. Plus, with former-captain Thomas Vermaelen as a back-up option, it seems unlikely that Williams would experience a great deal of first team action.

A move to Liverpool would provide him with the opportunity to reunite with his former manager, Brendan Rodgers. He’d also be joining a side that remains in desperate need of defensive reinforcements.

The Reds leaked 50 goals last season, whilst experiencing a number of comical errors at the back, and ultimately, it was this inability to shut out their opponents that cost them the Premier League title.

At Anfield he would receive regular game time, under a manager who knows and trusts his abilities. Furthermore, at just £3 million it’s likely he would represent the club’s most astute piece of business over the summer months.

Chris Linnell

Chris is a freelance football writer from Wiltshire, England. He is currently studying Modern History and Politics at the University of Liverpool. He has written for various other sites, including the Boot Room and Bleacher Report. His work has also featured on Eurosport.